(Communicated by the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality Spokesperson)

The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality announced today (Thursday, September 13 2018) that the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Tel Aviv. It is the first time ever that Tel Aviv is hosting the show, which last year attracted 186 million viewers. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) selected Tel Aviv as the most suitable host city for this upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. Tel Aviv is Israel's financial and cultural center; an international hub of art and creativity, of commerce and trade, of media and academia. It is a city that celebrates pluralism and tolerance, warmly embracing the many communities that compose its unique human mosaic.

The decision was made after an extensive inspection and evaluation of the city’s amenities and facilities. As agreed upon, The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality will finance the venue: Pavilions 1 and 2 at EXPO Tel Aviv International Convention Center, where the three main events will take place, including: two semifinals and the final event broadcasted live to millions of viewers around the world.   

Israel won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in two decades on May 12 this year when Netta Barzilai snagged first place with her anthem “Toy”. The 64th Eurovision event marks the first time the competition will take place in Tel Aviv, the third time the competition takes place in Israel and the fourth times that Israel won the competition. According to data gathered from previous host cities; around 20,000 tourists are expected to arrive in Tel Aviv and the city will gain an estimated of NIS 100 million in direct revenues.

Over the last few years, the City of Tel Aviv has invested vast resources in developing its facilities and infrastructure in order to become a prime destination for major international conferences and events. These efforts included the recent establishment of the Tel Aviv International Convention Bureau as well as the building of the new pavilion which will host the Eurovision finals and semifinals. This year the Tel Aviv was one of the proud host cities of the 2018 Giro d’Italia Big Start as well as the 2018 European Judo Championships. Tel Aviv offers an abundance of venue options for these global events and conferences, and up-to-date facilities are located within the city's central hubs of activity.

The Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo, Ron Huldai: “The City of Tel Aviv- Yafo is delighted to host the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. The Eurovision is perfect fit for our city, which has been internationally acclaimed for its vibrant energy, creative spirit, its lively cultural scene and its celebration of freedom. We are looking forward to host a joyful and Nonstop event, in the spirit of Tel Aviv-Yafo! We are convinced that in collaboration with “KAN” we will produce one of the most incredible Eurovision competitions ever.”

Gidi Schmerling, Project Director of the 2019 Eurovision on behalf of the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality: ”The city will be exposed to the world through the eyes of the 1500 journalists and thousands of tourists that will descend upon the city for the Eurovision events. The competition will take place in various iconic locations and attractions throughout the city: The Old Town Hall, The modern Tel Aviv Museum of Art, The Charles Clore Park located on the City’s shore and of course EXPO Tel Aviv, the International Convention Center. Dozens of events will take place throughout the city on top of the main events, turning the city into one big Eurovision celebration.”

Eytan Schwartz, CEO, Tel Aviv Global & Tourism: "Tel Aviv is eager and ready as ever to host large events, and the Eurovision Song Contest is a fantastic opportunity to expose our Non-Stop city. The contest will take place at the Tel Aviv Expo - Israel's largest and most sophisticated venue - and the other events will show the unparalleled variety of cool, fun, energetic and unique locations that make our city the perfect destination for all purposes. Let the countdown begin!”